This is a four-hour class which trains workers on the HazCom standard and provides updated information on the 2012 revision.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a standard to help employees learn about the hazards of the chemicals they use on the job. The standard is called the hazard communication standard, but is more commonly called “HazCom” or the “Right to Know Law.” It can be found at 29 CFR 1910.1200. The HazCom standard requires that all chemicals in the workplace be classified for potential hazards. And, it mandates that information relating to these hazards be made available to employees. The standard says employees have a right to know  what chemicals they work with or around. Employees also have a right to understand the    hazards.

A 2012 revision aligns the standard with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The revision does not change how employers provide training, but it does require employers to train affected employees on the new label elements and safety data sheet format. Employers have until December 1, 2013, to complete the training.

This training program will address the following elements of  OSHA’s HazCom training requirements:

  • Explaining the methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area (such as monitoring conducted by the employer, continuous monitoring devices, visual appearance or odor of hazardous chemicals when being released, );
  • Providing information on the physical, health, simple asphyxiation, combustible dust, and pyrophoric gas hazards, as well as hazards not otherwise classified;
  • Describing the measures employees can take to protect themselves from these hazards, such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment to be used; and,
  • Discussing the details of the hazard communication program developed by the employer, including explanations of:
    • The labels received on shipped containers;
    • Any workplace labeling system you use on in-house containers;
    • The safety data sheet, including the order of information; and
    • How employees can obtain and use the appropriate hazard

This training also addresses topics such as the importance of obtaining the safety data sheet; safe chemical use, storage, and disposal; and first aid procedures.